CJ5 front axle

I have a 77 CJ5 that I placed a Dana 44 rear from a 74 on, I need to sync up the gears, is it easier to swap the entire front axle or get the gears switched? Is there a difference between the 77 and 74 dana front axle?

 

If i were you, I'd pick one that has disk brakes if possible. Otherwise there is not much difference, except that the early 70's usually have better hubs.

 

All things being equal I would just swap the whole housing. Especially if you would have to pay someone to set the gears. I would then use the knuckle out from the newer one to utilize disk brakes if so equipped. The spindle studs will be longer. Then would which ever hubs were the best.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

I presume the new rear axle is a 3.73 ratio? Dan's got the right idea - 3.73 Dana front axles ('72-75 CJ) are easy to come by, and you can merge parts from the two axles to get the right ratio with disk brakes. The track width and spring mounting of the '74 and '77 axles is the same.

Changing ratios in the existing axle is expensive to have done and a very challenging DIY project for most amateur mechanics.

 

Was the stock ratio the same on the later 70's D30 - 3.73. Looking @ a D30 from a 79 that has disk setup. Differential housing has no tag on it.

 

most likley 3.54 for that year range, 1976-1979

 

Is the housing the same so I can gut it and swap gears? Sorry to Hi-Jack. R)

 

Yes. Stuff will interchange.

 

Being lazy. Though with both out that wouldn't be too hard.

 

Actually, swapping the carriers and pinions from case to case should be a lot more work than swapping the knuckles, unless you're very lucky.

 

No, I agree on the knuckles. I think I'll grab the axle anyway and do the swap in as a fall/winter project. My gears are mint even being 30 some years old so I would prefer to use mine.